Due Diligence Transformation Lead; Legal & Technology

Due Diligence Transformation Lead (Legal & Technology) Corporate, London, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds

Main information

Term type:

Permanent

Team:

Corporate

Location:

London, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds

The role

Shoosmiths is evolving how due diligence is delivered to improve quality, consistency, efficiency and client experience through enhanced ways of working and effective use of legal technology.

The Due Diligence Transformation Lead will play a central role in driving the rollout, adoption and embedding of a new DD delivery model across the firm. This is not a traditional fee‑earning role, and not a pure project management or knowledge position. It is a change‑led, influencing role, working alongside deal teams on live M&A and Private Equity transactions.

The role focuses on enabling teams to adopt better ways of working, ensuring consistency of approach, and supporting the integration of legal technology into delivery. Success will be measured by adoption, impact and behavioural change rather than personal delivery of due diligence.

The Team

You will work at the intersection of Shoosmiths’ Corporate and Private Equity practices, collaborating closely with partners, associates, PSLs and business services teams including legal tech, innovation and IT.

This role sits within a broader firm‑wide transformation programme focused on modernising due diligence delivery. It is a highly collaborative environment, where success depends on strong partnerships with senior stakeholders and shared ownership of change rather than individual accountability.

Responsibilities

DD Model Rollout & Adoption

• Support the firm‑wide rollout of new DD ways of working, including tools, playbooks, templates and reporting standards
• Act as a visible advocate for the transformation programme across Corporate, Private Equity and relevant teams
• Work with partner sponsors to drive engagement, build momentum and reinforce adoption

Stakeholder Influence & Engagement

• Influence a broad and senior stakeholder group, including partners, counsel, senior associates, PSLs and business services teams
• Operate as a trusted adviser to deal teams, working alongside them rather than acting as an external enforcer
• Communicate clearly, persuasively and credibly, including with stakeholders who may be resistant to change

DD Process Oversight & Consistency

• Provide oversight of due diligence delivery to ensure alignment with agreed processes and quality standards
• Identify where approaches diverge from agreed models and support teams in course correction
• Surface recurring issues, inefficiencies and friction points to drive continuous improvement

Legal Technology & Innovation

• Promote a technology‑enabled approach to due diligence, including the use of AI‑enabled tools
• Support the implementation and practical use of legal technology within live transactions
• Act as a bridge between deal teams and legal tech / IT functions
• Stay informed on market developments and proactively introduce new ideas and approaches

Playbooks, Guidance & Enablement

• Support the development and rollout of playbooks, templates, guidance and training materials
• Help teams understand both the “what” and the “why” behind new approaches, including commercial and client benefits

Change & Transformation Support

• Contribute to the wider due diligence transformation programme
• Collaborate closely with partners, PSLs, legal operations, innovation and technology teams
• Support sustainable, partner‑led change rather than acting as a single point of accountability

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation.

The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive…